It was a gorgeous day exploring the incredible orchids at Pixels + Petals at the New England Botanic Garden! Despite the winter chill, the orchids’ vibrant colors and intricate details warmed us up. A wonderful volunteer even helped the kids discover a carnivorous plant, explaining its fascinating bug-attracting and eating methods.
The displays inside the conservatories added a fun touch of whimsy, including large color block towers and arches, color-changing blocks of light, and green pedestals designed after the iconic green pipes from Super Mario Bros. The kids enjoyed building stars on the Magna-Tile wall outside the conservatories while we listened to live music being played inside.
With the sun shining brightly (although the wind made it quite chilly), we couldn’t pass up the yeti hunt outside. We played in the snow, walked the trails, and even played in the tree huts. The “Yeti, Set, Go!” exhibition will be displayed through February 23rd.
Experience the unique blend of retro gaming and floral beauty at Pixels + Petals, running from February 8th to March 23rd, 2025. Explore their two subtropical conservatories, transformed into immersive displays featuring over 2,000 blooming orchids! Inspired by the nostalgic pixel art of 8- and 16-bit video games, these large-scale installations offer a vibrant, creative, and fun-filled adventure. This exhibit is perfect for all ages. We had children ages 3-10, and even grandma came along! Or, for a special date night, consider attending one of their Orchids After Dark events.
New England Botanic Garden makes the perfect place to visit this February and March with your families. They also offer a wide variety of classes for families, so make sure to check out their events calendar.
Check Out Their Upcoming Events
Orchids After Dark (21+)
Fridays & Saturdays, February 14 to March 15, 2025 | 6PM–8PM
Experience the retro charm of Pixels + Petals, An Orchid Exhibition after-hours. Enjoy live music, drinks, and light bites while exploring our stunning orchid displays and curated ambiance. The ticket price includes one free beverage and a unique night out. Members: $20, Non-Members: $30
February Vacation Week: Nature Quest
Free Drop-in Activities | Saturday to Friday, February 15 to 21, 2025, 10AM–4PM |
Perfect for all ages. Gear up for an action-packed week of thrilling mini-games and exciting challenges that feel like you’ve stepped right into a video game. Embark on epic side quests in our youth classes or spend your day exploring the outdoors and unlocking hidden secrets of the plant realm. Adventure awaits—are you ready to play?
Orchid Sale
Friday, April 4, 10am–5pm.
After Pixels + Petals concludes there will be an opportunity to take some of the exquisite plants featured in the exhibition home with you.
New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill
Experience the wonder of plants at a botanic garden in the heart of New England. We are a nonprofit organization open to the public year-round for garden viewing, trail walking, educational programs, exhibitions, and more. Our garden includes conservatories, formal and naturalistic gardens, a Garden Shop, a café, and expansive views of the Wachusett Reservoir. We care for an irreplaceable collection of plants and place sustainability and environmental stewardship at the forefront of our work. Here, wandering is always welcome, and no two visits will ever be the same. Learn about a membership here.
